Easy to FLY with - Show table set up

Today's mini tutorial will be on a simple show table look .... one that flies well ... provides optimum viewing potential and looks professional.

 

I did shows for about 15 years before leaving to focus on teaching.  BUT I flew mostly oversea's with this simple set up - and if it made it there you know it works .

 

WHAT I had for sale:  DOLLS and Doll KITS/Supplies

Problem .... I had to make the dolls look special *exclusive* and still put supplies on the table.  PLUS all this had to fit into one large hard suitcase that was lightweight enough for me to load on trams as I went on the train to whatever city from the airport.  (THUS anyone in the US this will work for long walk airports as well).

 

The best solution I came up with:

 

1.  RISERS for the table if possible.  This brings the table height up so the customer is more likely to view your dolls eye level (when using the boxes) and see all those wonderful details.  I simply called/wrote the show coordinator and asked what dimension the table legs where.  I then cut PVC pipes (4 - one for each leg) about 6".  This added a few inches and made a HUGE difference.  AND the easy part was simply going to the show table, lifting each leg, sliding up a tube and WALA!  Instant higher table.

 

2.  Now you need a table cover for the table.  You want a fabric that doesn't wrinkle, drapes well incase you want to *puddle* it to cover up an empty spot from those sold dolls , AND shows off the dolls without clashing.  I went to the swimsuit department in my fabric store and bought 4 yards of this fantastic black - light sheen material.  Black looks professional, shows off ALL dolls (we'll go over how to showcase dolls that are dark in a moment), and this material scrunches REALLY SMALL, doesn't WRINKLE and is light weight.

 

3.  You next need something to give height to your dolls and provide a visual interest point.  The best thing I found was papermache boxes that stack inside each other.  This makes for the most compact packing EVER and is light weight.  You can, of couse, spray paint the boxes (or glue material on it) with any colors you wish.  The key is to get two sets of all the sizes that fit into each other - including the lids - so you can stack like building blocks as a nice base.  Add a bit of sticky wax if you wish at base of boxes to hold in place.  Now of couse common sense is needed ... you can't make a 3' tall stack and then set your most expensive doll on it .  Hopefully at the place you landed, you can find a nice discarded  flat box - to use as a central lump on the table, and then add your other boxes on top.

 

4.  LIGHT is next!  THIS is so very very important!  Obviously oversea's the best thing is to sweet talk to your hostess or a friend and borrow a couple of high power spot lights (or worst case buy them).  If you are in the states --- go to Walgreens - and the little high density black lights used for desks (the taller version) are only $9 and work FANTASTIC!  You can put these on the table - perhaps two in front, one in back, and hide the cords with the swimsuit material.  Then angle the light around on the table showcasing your special pieces and easily moving the focus as your dolls sell.

 

5.  Put a few containers of the macrame box UP (open) on the table and use these to hold your supplies.  This keeps it nice and orderly, neat and still showcases your dolls.

 

6.  LASTLY ... decoration!  I personally let my dolls do the talking --- but the few decorations I put on the table where VERY VERY nice, classy, simple and elegant.  A nice card holder (for your biz cards), a few loose vines and flowers (NICE ONES) to dress up a side of the table you want to focus on OR to cover those bare spots from where you sold your work and don't want the table to look empty. 

 

**HINTS** ..... You NEED a draw!  A small bowl of hard candy - an old trick - BUT it works with a lot of people.  Who doesn't like a mint after a few hours of crowded shopping?  OR a box of $1 priced *sale* items!  Who doesn't look in a bargin bin?  Miniaturists just LOVE a bargin - and anything to keep the customer looking - means the more chance of a sale.  This also means showcasing your talent and showing people a skill!  I lectured, demonstrated almost non stop how to do a simple wigging cross!  Made a TON of sales in hair and supplies showing people how to do it themselves!  PLUS you draw a crowd and that brings people to your table so perhaps that collector with a big LV bag and unlimited funds is drawn to your table - sees your best doll and SIMPLY MUST have it!

 

Well that is simply the bare basics of a show table that have worked for me over and over again.  I welcome additional comments from dealers and shoppers today to discuss this topic. 

 

Off to work on the FF again - so will be back in awhile.  Until then....

HAPPY CREATING!

 

DANA